Are you considering adding an Axolotl to your home? Have you recently purchased an axolotl? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to help your new aquatic friend thrive.

Axolotl Basics

• Native to Mexico, axolotls are fully aquatic amphibians.
• They live 10–15 years with proper care.
• They’re neotenic, meaning they retain gills and a tadpole-like body for life.
• Axolotls do best solo in tanks due to risk of aggression.

Tank Setup

• Minimum tank size: 20 gallons per axolotl
• No gravel – use fine sand, bare bottom, or slate tiles
• Provide hiding spots like PVC pipes, caves, or plants
• Use a low-flow filter to prevent stress

Water Requirements

• Temperature: 60–68°F (16–20°C); no heater needed
• Use dechlorinated or treated tap water - Use Prime to help with dechlorinating the water - Follow instructions on bottle.
• Monitor ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates regularly
• Perform 25–50% water changes weekly

Feeding

• Young axolotls (3-5”): Feed once daily
• Adults: Feed every other day
• Favorite foods: bloodworms, earthworms, axolotl pellets
• Avoid live feeder fish (parasite risk) and anything that fits in their mouth (choking hazard)

Handling & Behavior

• Avoid handling unless necessary – axolotls are delicate
• Use a soft net or container to move them
• They may regrow limbs, but avoid injury risk by keeping tankmates out

Signs of Trouble

• Refusing food for multiple days
• Floating or struggling to stay on bottom
• Curled gills or tail (stress sign)
• White fuzz on gills or skin (fungal infection)

Contact an exotic vet or your local pet professional if you notice anything unusual.

Final Tips

• Cycle your tank before adding an axolotl.
• Keep their water clean and cool.
• Observe daily for signs of stress or illness.
• Be patient—axolotls grow slowly but live long and healthy lives with care.
• Use a turkey baster to spot clean your tank! 

In most cases, you shouldn't add a tank mate to an axolotl—they are solitary animals and do best housed alone. However, if you're experienced and determined to try cohabitation, here are strict guidelines for when and how to do it safely:

When It's Safer to Add a Tank Mate:

1. Both axolotls are fully grown
   – Ideally 6" or longer to reduce the risk of biting or cannibalism

2. Same size and similar temperament
   – A large size difference can lead to injury or death

3. Tank is large enough
   – At least 40 gallons for two axolotls
   - Easton's Lotl Lab keeps a breeding pair (Bubbles & Hiccup) in a 60 gallon tank 

4. Plenty of hiding spots
   – Each axolotl should have its own private space

5. You are able to monitor behavior closely
   – Especially during the first few weeks

⚠️ Risks of Adding a Tank Mate:

• Nipping, biting, or limb damage (especially with babies or unequal sizes)

• Competition for food

• Increased stress and illness

• Difficult to isolate one if sick or injured

• Axolotls can regrow limbs, but it's painful and avoidable
  
  

❌ Never House With:

• Fish (even peaceful ones can nip gills or introduce parasites)

• Snails or shrimp (may be eaten or cause impaction)

• Other aquatic species (frogs, turtles, etc.—not safe)
  
  

Best Practice:

Keep axolotls one per tank unless you are an experienced keeper with proper space and resources to monitor and separate if needed.